Downe House Muscat has strengthened its Senior Leadership Team for the 2026/27 academic year with four key appointments, welcoming Safana Al Alawi as Vice Principal, Tharina Brits as Assistant Head, Academic Standards and Data, Annabel Oxenham as Assistant Head, Pastoral (Primary), and Mary Stuart as Assistant Head, Teaching and Learning (Primary).

Together, the appointments bring extensive experience across education and school leadership, strengthening expertise in academic standards, teaching and learning, pastoral care and student wellbeing as Downe House Muscat continues to grow. The expanded leadership team will work collaboratively across the school to enhance every aspect of school life and ensure students are supported and challenged to achieve their full potential.

Among the new appointments is Safana Al Alawi, who joins Downe House Muscat as Vice Principal, bringing experience spanning biomedical sciences, teaching and educational leadership. Having begun her career as a Biomedical Scientist, Safana pursued her passion for education and progressed into school leadership through her commitment to academic excellence, student wellbeing and school improvement. Passionate about holistic education, she is committed to supporting students in becoming confident, resilient and lifelong learners.

Commenting on her appointment, Safana Al Alawi, Vice Principal at Downe House Muscat, said: “I am delighted to join Downe House Muscat at such an exciting stage in the school’s journey. I look forward to working closely with our students, colleagues and families to build on the school’s strong foundations, advance academic excellence and ensure student wellbeing remains at the heart of the educational experience.”

Joining Safana on the Senior Leadership Team is Tharina Brits, appointed Assistant Head, Academic Standards and Data. With more than a decade of educational experience, Tharina most recently served as Head of Assessment and Achievement at an international school in Muscat, where she played a key role in driving academic excellence and student achievement. In her new role, she will work closely with colleagues to strengthen academic standards and use data to inform teaching and learning, ensuring every student is supported and challenged to achieve her best.

Strengthening the school’s Primary leadership, Annabel Oxenham joins as Assistant Head, Pastoral (Primary), bringing 26 years of educational experience and an accomplished track record in senior leadership. Her previous roles include Head of Special Educational Needs, Head of Early Years and Head of Lower Primary. Having called Oman home for the past six years, Annabel also brings a strong understanding of the local community. She will provide strategic leadership for pastoral care and student wellbeing across the Primary School, working closely with students, families and colleagues to create a culture where every child feels supported, valued and empowered to succeed.

Mary Stuart has been appointed Assistant Head, Teaching and Learning (Primary), following nine years as Deputy Head at a leading British school in the UAE and previous Assistant Head positions in both the UK and Europe. She will work alongside colleagues across the Primary School to champion excellence in teaching and learning, strengthen classroom practice and enrich learning experiences that inspire every student to achieve her full potential.

Alongside the new appointments, Jane Davidson continues in her role as Assistant Head, Pastoral (Secondary), providing strategic leadership for pastoral care, safeguarding and student wellbeing across the Secondary School. As Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Jane brings extensive experience in safeguarding, student welfare and secondary education and will continue to support the personal development, resilience and wellbeing of every girl throughout her secondary school journey.

Ms Helen Booth-Smith, Principal of Downe House Muscat, said: “As Downe House Muscat continues to grow, these appointments bring valuable experience and expertise to our Senior Leadership Team. I am delighted to welcome Safana, Tharina, Annabel and Mary to their new roles, and I look forward to seeing their contribution to our students and the continued success of our school community.”

The strengthened Senior Leadership Team reflects Downe House Muscat’s continued commitment to providing an outstanding British education, with experienced leaders working collaboratively across Primary and Secondary to support academic excellence, personal development and student wellbeing.